Athlete Esteban Mercado and Unified Partner Bryce Young represented Special Olympics Northern California and the San Jose Earthquakes at the 9th annual Special Olympics Unified Sports All-Star Game this July in Columbus, Ohio. The game was played prior to the 2024 Major League Soccer All-Star Game.
“This trip was an unforgettable experience filled with moments of pride, joy, and heartfelt connections,” said Esteban. “Playing in the All-Star game, win or lose, was a dream come true.”
GAME TIME
The game, part of Special Olympics and MLS’ season
-long Unified Soccer Exchange program, featured 52 Unified team members representing 26 MLS clubs. Unified Sports brings together athletes (individuals with
intellectual disabilities) and partners (individuals without intellectual disabilities) to play on the same teams.
“It was fast-paced and physical,” said Esteban. “I was chosen to be in the starting lineup for the West Coast. My coach, Alejandro Enrique Moreno Riera, a Venezuelan former professional footballer and ESPN commentator, guided me. We lost 5-0, but I had three shots at goal! We performed better in the second half, showing our resilience and determination.”
Moreno was one of the MLS Greats who served as celebrity coaches for the match, which featured the athletes and partners playing in authentic uniforms and equipment from Adidas.
ALL-STAR WEEK
Esteban and Bryce joined the other Special Olympics MLS representatives for multiple days of fun experiences in Columbus leading up to the Unified Sports All-Star Game on Wednesday afternoon. Activities included an all-service volunteer day with MLS and Target to help with food packaging in the community; attending the MLS All-Star practice and meeting a number of Esteban’s favorite players; a visit to the Columbus Zoo; and more.
“Attending the All-Star training was an unforgettable experience,” said Esteban. “I met MLS players, got a squad group photo, and was left speechless when I met Riqui Puig from LA Galaxy.”
SPECIAL CONNECTIONS
Along with a flurry of excitement, the trip offered an opportunity for athletes and partners from across the country to meet one another, bond and create meaningful friendships.
“Personally, meeting other athletes brought raw tears to my eyes,” said Esteban. “I spent most of my time hanging out with the West Coast team. We watched the Paris Olympics together, bonding over the excitement and inspiration of the games. Connecting with athletes from across the country felt like building a new family.”
Esteban was able to share his personal story with his teammates, including about the long trip from Modesto to Columbus and the pride
he feels for his hometown. He enjoyed meeting all of his fellow Special Olympics representatives and gives special credit to the Unified partners
, who were there as both teammates and support systems for the athletes.
“The partners play the most challenging role of all,” he said. “Their selfless devotion behind the scenes – organizing luggage, brushing and braiding hair, tying shoes, reminding athletes to take their medication, and ensuring wallets and phones aren’t lost – is remarkable.”
Esteban is most thankful for his Earthquakes partner, Bryce, who was also his roommate in Columbus.
“Sharing this experience with Bryce made it even more memorable,” he said. “His support, laughter, and friendship were invaluable throughout the week. I couldn’t have asked for a better roommate and friend.”
LASTING MEMORIES
After a full week of training, special events, team bonding and the Unified Sports
All-Star Game itself, Esteban came away thankful for the experience and grateful to his Earthquakes Unified coach for offering him the opportunity.
“A special thank you to Coach Greg for inviting me to this incredible event,” said Esteban. “His belief in me and his guidance have been instrumental in my journey.”
Most of all, Esteban will remember seeing his parents in the crowd as a part of the once-in-a-lifetime experience.
“The highlight of my trip was definitely having my parents fly all the way from California to Ohio to watch my game,” he said. “Seeing them in the stands, their faces beaming with pride as they watched their son with his last name on his jersey and a new pair of cleats, was unforgettable.
Their unwavering support means the world to me. My mother and dad are my biggest heroes. Their love and sacrifices have shaped who I am today.”
